by James Jordan, Sumner Newscow — Sumner County Economic Development Commission Director Stacey Davis believes Wellington is ready to make a move. That is just one of the reasons they moved to a new office at 314 N. Washington. They were open in their new place Monday, which is where the United Way office was until recently.

Davis said they had outgrown their small offices across the street from the Wellington Public Library, and let the place they were moving would be a good option.

“There is a lot of potential with the possibility of the college coming,” she said, referring to plans by Cowley College to build a campus in Wellington if voters approve a sales tax to help fund the move.

The college will make Wellington more attractive to businesses seeking to relocate. She said she is frequently in contact with businesses and industries looking to make a move. Most of those talks are confidential and cannot be released until a deal has been reached. But companies do look, and whether there is a community college is something they look at.

Davis said another reason to make the move was to be able to have a “ready to work certified” lab. Many companies now want there to be a certified ready to work group of people they can hire. With the new office they can set up  training and have people ready to go if a company does come here.

Currently, Jennie Heersche goes to the high school some evenings and gives a test for people looking to be certified in various skills.

With the new location they will have room, and will be able to offer those in the daytime as well.

Davis was also excited about the recent move to expand the airport. She believes this will be another good thing for Wellington. Many companies ask if there is an airport, and if they have good sized jets, they need a 5,200 foot long runway.

While Davis does tend to focus on Wellington, she noted that she is interested in the entire county.

“Sumner County has a lot going for it. If something opens in one community, it benefits the entire county,” she said.

The office is open 9 a.m. until noon, and 1 p.m. To 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

They are recruiting businesses, and they also try to help existing businesses.

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